One supposed reason behind his ultimate demise was that Bayern players had grown disillusioned with his methods, with club president Uli Hoeness having declared “Ancelotti had five players against him”.

Hoeness would also add: "As coach, you can't have your most prominent players as enemies. In my life, I've learned a saying: the enemy in your own bed is the most dangerous. That's why we had to act."

Reports in Germany suggested senior members of the Bayern squad had undertaken additional training sessions without the Italian’s knowledge, and that a number of key figures had met CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to voice their frustrations.

Robben is furious with suggestions he went behind Ancelotti's back (Image: REUTERS)

Ancelotti and Robben after the win over RB Leipzig last term (Image: AFP/Getty Images)